Inspection equipment and methods for multi-core cables

Abstract

This invention provides a technique for accurately determining the correspondence between the ends of insulated wires in a multi-core cable with multiple insulated wires. An inspection device for determining the correspondence between the ends of insulated wires in a multi-core cable includes: a signal input unit that inputs an inspection signal to one end of each insulated wire via capacitive coupling; a signal output unit that outputs an inspection signal from the other end of each insulated wire via capacitive coupling; and a determination unit that measures the voltage of the inspection signal to determine the correspondence of the other ends of the insulated wires. At least one of the signal input unit and the signal output unit has a signal transmission cable and a substrate. A first electrode connected to the signal transmission cable is provided on one main surface of the substrate, and a second electrode capacitively coupled to the insulated wire is provided on the other main surface of the substrate. A transmission line connected to the first and second electrodes and transmitting the inspection signal is provided inside the substrate, and a shielding layer is provided on the substrate to suppress noise intrusion into the transmission line.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an inspection device and a method for inspecting multi-core cables. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, multi-core cables with multiple insulated wires were known. For example, probe cables with dozens to hundreds of insulated wires are known as multi-core cables for medical use.

[0003] In multi-core cables with dozens to hundreds of insulated wires, it is difficult to ensure that the identification colors used to identify the insulation are distinct among all the insulated wires. Furthermore, when multiple insulated wires are twisted together internally within a multi-core cable, the positions of the insulated wires within the end cross-section become uncertain, making it difficult to identify the correspondence between the ends of the insulated wires. Therefore, when connecting multi-core cables to connectors, circuit boards, etc., a check is needed to determine the correspondence between the ends of the insulated wires exposed at both ends of the multi-core cable.

[0004] In performing the above-mentioned inspection, for example, a device is sometimes used that inputs an inspection signal to the conductor of any insulated wire exposed at one end of a multi-core cable to measure the inspection signal output from the conductor of the insulated wire exposed at the other end of the multi-core cable.

[0005] When using the aforementioned device for inspection, if an inspection signal is to be directly input to the conductors of the insulated wires, the electrodes need to be in physical contact with all conductors of the multiple insulated wires, requiring a significant amount of time for preparation and execution. Therefore, an inspection technique has been proposed that involves placing electrodes on the insulator and inputting the inspection signal via capacitive coupling (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0006] Existing technical documents

[0007] Patent documents

[0008] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2004-251771 Summary of the Invention

[0009] The purpose of this invention is to provide an inspection device and a method for inspecting multi-core cables that can accurately determine the correspondence between the ends of the insulated wires at both ends of a multi-core cable with multiple insulated wires.

[0010] According to a first aspect of the present invention, an inspection apparatus for a multi-core cable is provided, which determines the correspondence between the insulated wires at both ends of a multi-core cable having a plurality of insulated wires, wherein the inspection apparatus comprises:

[0011] A signal input unit that, through capacitive coupling, inputs an inspection signal to the end of one of the ends of the plurality of insulated wires exposed at one end of the multi-core cable, which is the end of the insulated wire to be inspected.

[0012] A signal output unit that outputs a check signal from the respective ends of the plurality of insulated wires exposed at the other end of the multi-core cable via capacitive coupling;

[0013] The corresponding determining unit measures the voltage of the inspection signal obtained from the signal output unit, and based on the measured voltage, determines the other end of the insulated wire that is the object of inspection.

[0014] At least one of the signal input unit and the signal output unit has a signal transmission cable for transmitting a check signal and a substrate connected to the signal transmission cable.

[0015] A first electrode, which is connected to the signal conductor of the signal transmission cable, is provided on one of the main surfaces of the substrate.

[0016] A second electrode, which is capacitively coupled to the end of the insulated wire, is provided on the main surface of the other side of the substrate.

[0017] A transmission line for transmitting the inspection signal between the first electrode and the second electrode is provided inside the substrate.

[0018] A shielding layer is provided on the substrate to suppress noise intrusion into the transmission line.

[0019] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a method for inspecting a multi-core cable is provided, which determines the correspondence between the insulated wires at both ends of a multi-core cable having multiple insulated wires, wherein the inspection method comprises:

[0020] In the signal input process, an inspection signal is input via capacitive coupling to the end of the insulated wire that is the object of inspection among the ends of the plurality of insulated wires exposed at one end of the multi-core cable.

[0021] In the signal output process, a check signal is output from the respective ends of the plurality of insulated wires exposed at the other end of the multi-core cable via capacitive coupling;

[0022] In accordance with the corresponding determination process, the voltage of the inspection signal obtained through the signal output process is measured, and based on the measured voltage, the other end of the insulated wire that is to be inspected is determined.

[0023] In at least either of the signal input process and the signal output process

[0024] A substrate is used to capacitively couple the second electrode to the end of the insulated wire. The substrate has a first electrode on one main surface connected to the signal conductor of a signal transmission cable for transmitting inspection signals, and the second electrode on the other main surface. Internally, a transmission line for transmitting inspection signals between the first and second electrodes is provided.

[0025] The shielding layer disposed on the substrate suppresses noise from entering the transmission line.

[0026] According to the present invention, an inspection apparatus and a method for inspecting multi-core cables can be provided, which are capable of determining with high precision the correspondence between the ends of the insulated wires at both ends of a multi-core cable having multiple insulated wires. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the circuit structure of an inspection device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the state in which a multi-core cable 2 is installed in the inspection device 1.

[0029] Figure 3 (a) is a schematic cross-sectional view of the cross-section of the multi-core cable 2 perpendicular to the length direction. Figure 3 (b) is a schematic cross-sectional view of the insulated wire 3 perpendicular to the length direction.

[0030] Figure 4 of (a), Figure 4 (b) are diagrams illustrating the method of fixing the insulated wire 3-way inspection table 45.

[0031] Figure 5 This is a partial enlarged cross-sectional view schematically showing a cross-section of a substrate 44 along the thickness direction according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 6 This is a perspective view showing a partial extraction of the main portion of the substrate 44 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating the control process for checking the correspondence between the ends of the insulated wire 3.

[0034] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0035] 1 Inspection device, 2 Multi-core cable, 3 Insulated wire, 4 Signal input unit, 6 Signal output unit, 44, 61 Substrates, 47, 67 Signal transmission cables, 81 Correspondence determination unit, 441 First electrode, 442 Second electrode, 430 Transmission line, 431 Vertical transmission line, 432 Surface transmission line, 449 Shielding layer, 447 First shielding layer, 448 Second shielding layer, 444 Third shielding layer. Detailed Implementation

[0036] <An embodiment of the present invention>

[0037] (1) Structure of inspection device for multi-core cables

[0038] The inspection device 1 involved in this embodiment is configured to determine the correspondence between the insulated wires 3 at both ends of a multi-core cable 2 having multiple insulated wires 3.

[0039] First, the structure of the multi-core cable 2, which will be the subject of inspection, will be explained.

[0040] like Figure 3 As shown in the cross-sectional view (a), the multi-core cable 2 includes: a plurality of insulated wires 3; a shield 21 configured to surround the outer periphery of the bundled plurality of insulated wires 3; and a sheath 22 configured to cover the outer periphery of the shield 21. The shield 21 can be constructed, for example, by braiding metal wires made of copper (Cu), Cu alloys, etc. The sheath 22 can be made of a flexible, sliding material such as silicone rubber. The number of insulated wires 3 included in the multi-core cable 2 is not particularly limited, and can be, for example, from about 10 to about 300.

[0041] like Figure 3 As shown in the cross-sectional view (b), the insulated wire 3 includes a conductor 31 as the core wire and an insulating covering layer 32 that covers the outer periphery of the conductor 31. The conductor 31 can be made of, for example, Cu, Cu alloy, aluminum (Al), Al alloy, etc. The insulating covering layer 32 can be made of, for example, an insulating material (dielectric) such as polyimide, enamel, polyethylene, polypropylene, etc. The outer diameter of the insulated wire 3 including the insulating covering layer 32 can be, for example, about 0.2 mm to 0.5 mm. In addition, the insulated wire 3 can also be coaxial.

[0042] Next, the overall structure of the inspection device 1 will be described.

[0043] like Figure 2As shown, the inspection device 1 includes a signal input unit 4 and a signal output unit 6. The signal input unit 4 is configured to input an AC inspection signal to the end of the insulated wire 3 exposed at one end of the multi-core cable 2, which is the end to be inspected, via capacitive coupling. The signal input unit 4 includes: a voltage source 41 that generates the inspection signal; and a substrate 44 that contacts the outer peripheral surface of the insulated wire 3, thereby inputting the inspection signal to the insulated wire 3 via capacitive coupling.

[0044] The signal output unit 6 is configured to output an output signal from the insulated wires 3 via capacitive coupling through a substrate 61 pressed against each insulated wire 3. The signal output unit 6 has a processing unit 8 that receives the output signal and determines the correspondence of the insulated wires 3 based on the received check signal.

[0045] Next, the specific structure of the inspection device 1 will be described.

[0046] like Figure 1 As shown in the circuit structure, the inspection device 1 includes a signal input unit 4, a signal output unit 6, and a computing device 8 configured as a computer to implement the correspondence determination unit 81. The multi-core cable 2 is provided between the signal input unit 4 and the signal output unit 6, enabling the inspection of the correspondence between the insulated wires 3 at both ends of the multi-core cable 2.

[0047] The signal input unit 4 is configured to input an inspection signal V to the end of the conductor 31 of the insulated wire 3 that is the object of inspection, which is exposed at one end of the multi-core cable 2, via capacitive coupling.

[0048] Specifically, the signal input unit 4 includes: a voltage source 41 that generates a check signal V; a first amplifier 42 that amplifies the check signal V; a first switching device 43 that selects the input destination of the check signal V amplified by the first amplifier 42 by switching the circuit; a signal transmission cable 47 that transmits the check signal V output from the first switching device 43 to the substrate 44; and the substrate 44 that is connected to the signal transmission cable 47.

[0049] The signal transmission cable 47 is constructed in a substantially similar manner to the multi-core cable 2 described above, in that it has multiple insulated wires, a shield that surrounds the outer periphery of the bundled insulated wires, and a sheath that covers the outer periphery of the shield. The core wires of the insulated wires in the signal transmission cable 47 function as signal conductors for transmitting the inspection signal V. In particular, a coaxial structure is preferred to make the insulated wires used in the signal transmission cable 47 less susceptible to external noise.

[0050] A first electrode 441, connected to the signal conductor of the signal transmission cable 47, is provided on one main surface of the substrate 44. A second electrode 442, capacitively coupled to the insulated wire of the multi-core cable 2, is provided on the other main surface, as described later. Furthermore, a transmission line 430 is provided inside the substrate 44, which transmits a check signal V between the first electrode 441 and the second electrode 442. Detailed structure of the substrate 44 will be described later.

[0051] With the above structure, the inspection signal V is transmitted from the voltage source 41 to the first electrode 441 via the signal transmission cable 47, and the inspection signal V is transmitted from the first electrode 441 to the second electrode 442 via the transmission line 430 provided inside the substrate 44.

[0052] In addition, signal input unit 4 also has Figure 4 of (a), Figure 4 The inspection table 45 is shown in (b). Multiple insulated wires 3 exposed at one end of the multi-core cable 2 are fixed in an arranged configuration on the inspection table 45. Specifically, the inspection table 45 includes a base 451 and a pair of locking walls 452 disposed opposite each other on the main surface of the base 451. On the pair of locking walls 452, for example, multiple locking slots 452a are arranged at equal intervals to lock (grip) the insulated wires 3. The multiple insulated wires 3 are fixed by their respective ends being clamped into these locking slots 452a, thereby maintaining a predetermined interval and being arranged approximately parallel to each other on the base 451. Furthermore, the method of fixing the multiple insulated wires 3 on the inspection table 45 is not limited to the method shown here; for example, adhesive tape pasted onto the base 451 may also be used. Additionally, the arrangement interval of the insulated wires 3 can be appropriately varied.

[0053] As described above, a check signal V is transmitted to the second electrode 442. Figure 4 As shown in (a), a plurality of second electrodes 442 are provided on a main surface of the substrate 44, arranged in a row along the arrangement direction of the plurality of insulated wires 3, with the same arrangement spacing as the plurality of insulated wires 3 fixed on the inspection table 45. Furthermore, the number of second electrodes 442 can be set to be the same as the number of insulated wires 3 fixed to the locking groove 452a, or it can be set to be more than the number of insulated wires 3.

[0054] By pressing the plurality of second electrodes 442 disposed on the substrate 44 against each of the plurality of insulated wires 3 fixed on the base 451, the plurality of second electrodes 442 can be made to abut against the outer periphery of the plurality of insulated wires 3. That is, the conductors 31 of the insulated wires 3 and the second electrodes 442 can be arranged opposite each other (capacitive coupling) through an insulating coating layer 32 made of dielectric. In this state, by transmitting a check signal V to the second electrodes 442, a check signal V can be input to the conductors 31 of the insulated wires 3 arranged opposite to the second electrodes 442 through capacitive coupling.

[0055] Furthermore, to improve the input efficiency of the check signal using capacitive coupling, it is preferable to use an AC signal instead of a DC signal as the check signal V. In this case, the frequency of the check signal V can be appropriately set according to the construction of the multi-core cable 2, for example, it can be set to a frequency lower than the inherent resonant frequency of the multi-core cable 2. The frequency of the check signal V can be set, for example, to a predetermined frequency in the range of 1MHz to 10MHz.

[0056] In addition, Figure 4 of (a), Figure 4 In (b), for convenience, only a portion of the various structures of the substrate 44 are shown. The detailed structure of the substrate 44 will be described later.

[0057] The signal output unit 6 is configured to output a check signal from the respective ends of the plurality of insulated wires 3 exposed at the other end of the multi-core cable 2 via capacitive coupling.

[0058] Specifically, the signal output unit 6 includes an inspection table (not shown) configured in the same way as the inspection table 45 described above, a substrate 61, and a signal transmission cable 67 configured in the same way as the signal transmission cable 47 described above.

[0059] The structure of substrate 61 is substantially the same as that of substrate 44 described above. Specifically, a third electrode (not shown) connected to the signal conductor (core wire) of the signal transmission cable 67 is provided on one main surface of substrate 61, and a fourth electrode 611 (see reference 442) capacitively coupled to the insulated wire of the multi-core cable 2 is provided on the other main surface, similar to the second electrode 442 described above. Figure 1 Additionally, a transmission line (not shown) for transmitting the inspection signal V between the third electrode and the fourth electrode 611 is provided inside the substrate 61. The third electrode, the fourth electrode 611, and the transmission line of the substrate 61 are configured in substantially the same way as the first electrode 441, the second electrode 442, and the transmission line 430 of the substrate 44.

[0060] By pressing the plurality of fourth electrodes 611 disposed on the substrate 61 toward each of the insulated wires 3 fixed in a state of being neatly arranged on the pedestals (not shown) of the inspection table, the plurality of fourth electrodes 611 can be brought into contact with the outer periphery of the plurality of insulated wires 3. That is, the conductors 31 of the insulated wires 3 and the fourth electrodes 611 can be arranged opposite each other (capacitive coupling) through an insulating coating layer 32 made of dielectric. In this state, by inputting an inspection signal V to the conductors 31 of the insulated wires 3, the inspection signal V is transmitted to the fourth electrodes 611 arranged opposite to the conductors 31 of the insulated wires 3 via capacitive coupling. Then, the inspection signal V is transmitted from the fourth electrodes 611 to the third electrodes (not shown) via a transmission line disposed inside the substrate 61.

[0061] In addition, the signal output unit 6 includes: a second switching device 62, which selects the output destination of the inspection signal V transmitted from the third electrode via the signal transmission cable 67 by switching the circuit; a second amplifier 63, which amplifies the inspection signal V output from the second switching device 62; a multiplier 64, which multiplies the inspection signal V amplified by the second amplifier 63 by a reference signal output from the reference signal generation circuit 7 to generate a new inspection signal V; and a low-pass filter 65, which removes high-frequency components from the new inspection signal V generated by the multiplier 64.

[0062] Furthermore, the reference signal generation circuit 7 includes: a phase shifter 71, which adjusts the phase of the check signal V branched from the voltage source 41 to serve as the reference signal; and a third amplifier 72, which amplifies the reference signal from the phase shifter 71 and outputs it to the multiplier 64. The phase shift in the phase shifter 71 takes into account capacitive coupling and phase shift during transmission of the multi-core cable 2, and is appropriately adjusted in the multiplier 64 to make the check signal V and the reference signal in phase. In the multiplier 64, if the check signal V amplified by the second amplifier 63 is multiplied by the reference signal that is in phase and has the same frequency as the check signal V output from the reference signal generation circuit 7, the resulting new check signal V has a DC component and a frequency component that is twice the original frequency. In the low-pass filter 65, the frequency component that is twice the original frequency is removed, and only the DC component is used as the final check signal V, which is then output to the arithmetic unit 8.

[0063] The arithmetic unit 8 includes a correspondence determination unit 81, which, while performing the switching operation of the second switching device 62, sequentially measures the voltage of the aforementioned inspection signal V obtained from the signal output unit 6, i.e., the final inspection signal V which only has a DC component, and determines the insulated wire 3 that is to be inspected, i.e., the other end of the insulated wire 3 that received the inspection signal V into the conductor 31 along with the switching operation of the first switching device 43. Furthermore, the arithmetic unit 8 is configured as a computer equipped with a CPU, RAM, ROM, and other memory, a hard disk and other storage devices, software, interfaces, etc., and is configured to implement the aforementioned correspondence determination unit 81 through the coordinated operation of these resources.

[0064] Furthermore, the corresponding determination unit 81 includes: a switch control unit 811, which controls the operation of each switch of the first switch device 43 and the second switch device 62; and a determination unit 812, which determines the correspondence between the ends of the insulated wire 3 based on the voltage measurement result of the inspection signal V, etc.

[0065] The determination unit 812 controls the first switching device 43 via the switch control unit 811 to input an inspection signal V to the end of the specific insulated wire 3 that is to be inspected at one end of the multi-core cable 2, and controls the second switching device 62 to sequentially measure the voltage of the inspection signal corresponding to all the insulated wires 3 at the other end of the multi-core cable 2.

[0066] Then, the determination unit 812 determines the end of the other side of the insulated wire 3 that has the highest voltage of the inspection signal V among the ends of each insulated wire 3 exposed at the other end of the multi-core cable 2 as the end of the insulated wire 3 to be inspected, and stores this correspondence in the storage unit 82.

[0067] The correspondence between the ends of the insulated wires 3 is represented, for example, by mapping the numbers sequentially labeled on the ends of the insulated wires 3 arranged at one end of the multi-core cable 2 to the numbers sequentially labeled on the ends of the insulated wires 3 arranged at the other end of the multi-core cable 2. The determination unit 812 sequentially changes the insulated wires 3 that are to be inspected, determines the correspondence between the ends of all the insulated wires 3, and stores it in the storage unit 82.

[0068] (2) Structure of substrate 44

[0069] The following mainly uses Figure 5 , Figure 6 The structure of substrate 44 will be described in detail. Furthermore, the top view shape of substrate 44 is as follows: Figure 4 The shape shown in the example is rectangular, but it is not limited to this.

[0070] As described above, on one side of the substrate 44 ( Figure 5A first electrode 441, connected to the signal conductor of the signal transmission cable 47, is provided on the upper side of the substrate 44. Additionally, on the other side of the substrate 44, on the main surface... Figure 5 The lower end face of the insulated wire 3 has a second electrode 442 that is capacitively coupled to the conductor 31 of the insulated wire 3 at a position opposite to one end of the insulated wire 3.

[0071] A transmission line 430 is provided inside the substrate 44 to connect the first electrode 441 and the second electrode 442 and transmit the inspection signal V between the first electrode 441 and the second electrode 442.

[0072] In this embodiment, the transmission line 430 not only has a portion extending along the thickness direction of the substrate 44 (hereinafter referred to as the vertical transmission line 431), but also has a portion extending along the in-plane direction (plane direction) of the substrate 44 (hereinafter referred to as the plane transmission line 432).

[0073] In addition, in addition to the first electrode 441, the second electrode 442, and the transmission line 430 described above, the substrate 44 in this embodiment also has a shielding layer 449 for suppressing noise (electrostatic noise, etc.) from entering the transmission line 430.

[0074] The shielding layer 449 has at least one of the following: a first shielding layer 447 that remains non-contact to the first electrode 441 on one of its main surfaces and surrounds the first electrode 441; and a second shielding layer 448 that remains non-contact to the second electrode 442 on the other of its main surfaces and surrounds the second electrode 442. In this embodiment, as an example, a case is shown where the shielding layer 449 has both the first shielding layer 447 and the second shielding layer 448. However, this embodiment is not limited to this; it may also have only the first shielding layer 447, or only the second shielding layer 448.

[0075] Furthermore, as described above, a plurality of first electrodes 441 are provided on one of the main surfaces of the substrate 44.

[0076] Relative to these first electrodes 441, such as Figure 6 As shown, a first shielding layer 447 is provided on one of the main surfaces of the substrate 44 in such a way that it surrounds all of the plurality of first electrodes 441.

[0077] Furthermore, as described above, a plurality of second electrodes 442 are also provided on the main surface of the other side of the substrate 44. Relative to these second electrodes 442, such as... Figure 6As shown, the second shielding layer 448 is configured in a plurality of ways, each surrounding one of the plurality of second electrodes 442 on the other main surface of the substrate 44. Moreover, on the other main surface of the substrate 44, these plurality of second shielding layers 448 are configured to remain in a non-contact state with each other.

[0078] Furthermore, inside the substrate 44, the shielding layer 449 also has a third shielding layer 444 extending planarly along the main surface direction of the substrate 44. The shielding layer 449 is configured such that the aforementioned planar transmission line 432 is sandwiched between the third shielding layer 444 and at least one of the first shielding layer 447 and the second shielding layer 448. As an example, Figure 5 , Figure 6 The diagram shows the case where the surface transmission line 432 is sandwiched between the third shielding layer 444 and the first shielding layer 447. Furthermore, the surface transmission line 432 can be disposed between the third shielding layer 444 and the second shielding layer 448, or between the third shielding layer 444 and the first shielding layer 447, or both between the third shielding layer 444 and the second shielding layer 448.

[0079] Furthermore, the aforementioned substrate 44 can be fabricated using known methods such as lamination processes. The structure of the substrate 44 fabricated using a lamination process will be described in more detail below.

[0080] like Figure 5 As shown, the substrate 44 includes a flat core material 440 and a first prepreg layer 445 and a second prepreg layer 446 respectively bonded to (or added to) the two main surfaces of the core material 440. The core material 440 can be, for example, a known insulating material such as epoxy resin impregnated with glass fiber and then cured. The first prepreg layer 445 and the second prepreg layer 446 can be formed by bonding flat sheets made of the aforementioned insulating material. Furthermore, the first prepreg layer 445 and the second prepreg layer 446 can also be insulating layers made of insulating molding materials with thermosetting or photocuring properties.

[0081] A first electrode 441 and a first shielding layer 447 are provided on the surface of a first prepreg layer 445 constituting one main surface of the substrate 44. The first electrode 441 and the first shielding layer 447 can be formed by patterning copper foil adhered to the surface of the first prepreg layer 445, etc. As described above, a plurality of first electrodes 441 are formed on the surface of the first prepreg layer 445, and the first shielding layer 447 is formed on the surface of the first prepreg layer 445 in such a way that it surrounds the plurality of first electrodes 441 as a whole.

[0082] A second electrode 442 and a second shielding layer 448 are provided on the surface of the second prepreg layer 446, which constitutes another main surface of the substrate 44. The second electrode 442 and the second shielding layer 448 can be formed by patterning copper foil adhered to the surface of the second prepreg layer 446, etc. As described above, a plurality of second electrodes 442 are formed on the surface of the second prepreg layer 446, and a plurality of second shielding layers 448 are formed on the surface of the second prepreg layer 446 such that they respectively surround each of the plurality of second electrodes 442. Furthermore, a plurality of second shielding layers 448 are formed on the surface of the second prepreg layer 446 in a manner that maintains a non-contact state with each other.

[0083] A transmission line 430 connecting the first electrode 441 and the second electrode 442 is provided inside the substrate 44. As described above, the first electrode 441 and the second electrode 442 are positioned apart from the substrate 44 and not opposite each other. The transmission line 430 has a vertical transmission line 431 extending along the thickness direction of the substrate 44 and a surface transmission line 432 extending along the in-plane direction (plane direction) of the main surface of the substrate 44. The vertical transmission line 431 can be formed by forming a through hole that penetrates at least one of the core material 440, the first prepreg layer 445, and the second prepreg layer 446 in the thickness direction, and filling its interior with copper plating or the like. The surface transmission line 432 can be formed by patterning a copper foil adhered to one side of the main surface of the core material 440 or the like.

[0084] A third shielding layer 444 is provided at the interface between the core material 440 and the second prepreg layer 446. The third shielding layer 444 can be a layer that retains the copper foil adhered to the other side of the core material 440 as a whole pattern, for example.

[0085] The first shielding layer 447, the second shielding layer 448, and the third shielding layer 444 are all configured not to be electrically connected (not in contact) with the first electrode 441, the second electrode 442, and the transmission line 430. In addition, the first shielding layer 447, the second shielding layer 448, and the third shielding layer 444 are all grounded via a ground wire (not shown).

[0086] (3) Inspection methods for multi-core cables

[0087] In the inspection method for a multi-core cable according to this embodiment, firstly, the sheath 22 and shield 21 are removed by a predetermined length from both ends of the multi-core cable 2, exposing multiple insulated wires 3. Then, each exposed insulated wire 3 is inserted into and fixed to the locking groove 452a, etc., of the inspection table 45 at both ends of the multi-core cable 2 without removing the insulation coating 32, and substrates 44 and 61 are pressed against each insulated wire 3 fixed to the inspection table 45 (not shown), thereby establishing the aforementioned capacitive coupling. Then, an inspection is performed to determine the correspondence between the ends of the insulated wires 3 through the following steps.

[0088] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating the control flow in the arithmetic unit 8 when performing an inspection to determine the correspondence between the ends of the insulated wires 3. Here, the number of insulated wires 3 is set to n, and the order of the insulated wires 3 arranged on the inspection table 45 is set to number 1, number 2, ..., number n. Furthermore, the number of insulated wires 3, “n”, is manually input into the arithmetic unit 8.

[0089] like Figure 7 As shown, firstly, in step S51, the determination unit 812 substitutes the initial value 1 into variables a and b respectively. Then, in step S52, the determination unit 812 controls the first switching device 43 via the switch control unit 811 to apply a check signal V to the a-th insulated wire 3. That is, the check signal V is input via capacitive coupling to the end of the a-th insulated wire 3 exposed at one end of the multi-core cable 2, which is the end subject to inspection. No other signals containing the check signal V are input to the insulated wires 3 other than the a-th insulated wire 3 subject to inspection.

[0090] The check signal V sent from the voltage source 41 of the signal input unit 4 is transmitted to the first electrode 441 via the signal conductor of the signal transmission cable 47. The check signal V transmitted to the first electrode 441 is transmitted to the second electrode 442 via the transmission line 430. The check signal V transmitted to the second electrode 442 is input to the end of the conductor 31 of the insulated wire 3 pressed against the second electrode 442 via capacitive coupling.

[0091] Then, in step S53, the determination unit 812 controls the second switching device 62 via the switch control unit 811 to measure the voltage of the inspection signal V (here, the final inspection signal V with only DC component) output from the end of the b-th insulated wire 3 exposed at the other end of the multi-core cable 2, and stores the measurement result in the storage unit 82 in association with the variable b (i.e., the number of the end of the insulated wire 3 on the other end).

[0092] In step S54, the determination unit 812 determines whether variable b is equal to n. If the determination is not equal (no) in step S54, b is incremented in step S55, and the process returns to step S53. If the determination is equal (yes) in step S54, that is, after the measurement of all the ends of the insulated wires 3 on the other end side (signal output unit 6 side) of the multi-core cable 2 is completed, in step S56, the determination unit 812 determines the number of the end of the insulated wire 3 on the other end side (the number of the end of the insulated wire 3 on the other end side) with the largest voltage of the inspection signal V as the end on the other side corresponding to the a-th insulated wire 3 that is currently being inspected, and stores the determined correspondence in the storage unit 82.

[0093] In step S57, the determination unit 812 determines whether variable a is equal to n. If the determination is not equal (no) in step S57, in step S58, a is incremented, variable b is returned to its initial value of 1, and then the process returns to step S52. If the determination is equal (yes) in step S57, that is, if the correspondence has been determined for all insulated wires 3 on one end side (signal input unit 4 side) of the multi-core cable 2, the process proceeds to step S59. In step S59, the arithmetic unit 8 outputs the determination result of the correspondence stored in the storage unit 82 to, for example, a monitor. Then, the process ends.

[0094] (4) Effects of this implementation method

[0095] According to this embodiment, one or more of the following effects are achieved.

[0096] (a) In this embodiment, the substrate 44 is provided with a shielding layer 449, so when the inspection signal V is sent, noise intrusion into the transmission line 430 can be suppressed. As a result, the correspondence between the ends of the insulated wires 3 can be determined stably and with high accuracy.

[0097] (b) It has at least one of the following: a first shielding layer 447 that remains in non-contact with the first electrode 441 and surrounds the first electrode 441 on one main surface of the substrate 44 according to this embodiment, and a second shielding layer 448 that remains in non-contact with the second electrode 442 and surrounds the second electrode 442 on the other main surface of the substrate 44. This allows for the suppression of noise intrusion into the transmission line 430 from at least either the direction of one main surface of the substrate 44 or the direction of the other main surface of the substrate 44. As a result, the correspondence between the ends of the insulated wires 3 can be determined stably and with high precision.

[0098] (c) A first shielding layer 447, as described in this embodiment, is provided in such a manner that it completely surrounds the plurality of first electrodes 441. This suppresses noise from entering the transmission lines 430, which are respectively connected to the plurality of first electrodes 441, from one of the main surfaces of the substrate 44. As a result, the correspondence between the ends of the insulated wires 3 can be determined stably and with high accuracy.

[0099] (d) A plurality of second shielding layers 448, as described in this embodiment, are provided such that they respectively surround each of the plurality of second electrodes 442. This suppresses noise from entering the transmission lines 430, which are respectively connected to the plurality of second electrodes 442, from the other main surface direction of the substrate 44. As a result, the correspondence between the ends of the insulated wires 3 can be determined stably and with high accuracy.

[0100] (e) The plurality of second shielding layers 448 involved in this embodiment are arranged in a manner that keeps them from contacting each other. As a result, the shielding force of the second shielding layers 448 can be appropriately adjusted (reduced), and as a result, the decrease in the detection sensitivity of the correspondence between the ends of the insulated wires 3 can be suppressed. As a result, the correspondence between the ends of the insulated wires 3 can be determined stably and with high accuracy.

[0101] (f) In this embodiment, the transmission line 430 has a portion extending in the in-plane direction (plane direction) along the main surface of the substrate 44 inside the substrate 44 in a manner connecting the first electrode 441 and the second electrode 442 (plane transmission line 432). With this structure, the arrangement spacing of the plurality of insulated wires 3 fixed on the inspection table 45 can be increased, ensuring a wider spacing between adjacent insulated wires 3. As a result, the insulated wires 3 can be fixed to the inspection table 45 easily and quickly, and the correspondence between the ends of the insulated wires 3 can be determined stably and with high precision.

[0102] (g) In this embodiment, the third shielding layer 444 is configured to extend planarly along the in-plane direction of the substrate 44 inside the substrate 44, and the portion of the transmission line 430 extending along the in-plane direction (planar direction) of the substrate 44 (planar transmission line 432) is sandwiched between the third shielding layer 444 and the first shielding layer 447. This suppresses noise intrusion into the planar transmission line 432, where noise is easily intruded. As a result, the correspondence between the ends of the insulated wires 3 can be determined stably and with high accuracy.

[0103] <Other Implementation Methods>

[0104] The above describes one embodiment of the present invention in detail, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment and can be appropriately modified without departing from its spirit.

[0105] In the above embodiments, the case where both the signal input unit 4 and the signal output unit 6 have a substrate with a shielding layer to suppress noise intrusion into the transmission line has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, it is also possible that only one of the signal input unit 4 and the signal output unit 6 has a substrate with a shielding layer. In this case, substantially the same effect as the above-described embodiments can also be obtained.

[0106] In the above embodiments, a case is shown where all of the first shielding layer 447, the second shielding layer 448, and the third shielding layer 444 are present as a substrate. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any one of the first shielding layer 447, the second shielding layer 448, and the third shielding layer 444 may be present. In this case, substantially the same effect as the above embodiments can be obtained.

[0107] In the above embodiment, a case is shown where the first shielding layer 447 is disposed on one main surface of the substrate 44 in a manner that surrounds the entire plurality of first electrodes 441, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, a plurality of first shielding layers 447 may also be disposed on one main surface of the substrate 44 in a manner that surrounds each of the plurality of first electrodes 441 respectively. In addition, in this case, a plurality of first shielding layers 447 may also be disposed on one main surface of the substrate 44 in a manner that keeps them in a non-contact state. In this case, substantially the same effect as the above embodiment can also be obtained.

[0108] In the above embodiment, the case where multiple second shielding layers 448 are formed on the other main surface of the substrate 44 in a manner that keeps them in a non-contact state has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and two or more of the multiple second shielding layers may be selected in any combination and electrically bonded to each other. Alternatively, the second shielding layer 448 may be provided on the other main surface of the substrate 44 in a manner that surrounds the entirety of the multiple second electrodes 442. In this case, substantially the same effect as the above embodiment can be obtained.

[0109] In the above embodiment, the spacing between the second electrodes 442 on one main surface of the substrate 44 is larger than the spacing between the first electrodes 441 on one main surface of the substrate 44. The first electrodes 441 and the second electrodes 442 are positioned across the substrate 44 without being opposite each other. However, the present invention is not limited to this. These spacings can be freely set, and they can be the same size on both main surfaces. Furthermore, the size relationship of the spacings on both main surfaces can be reversed. In this case, substantially the same effect as the above embodiment can be obtained.

[0110] <Preferred Embodiments of the Invention>

[0111] The preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below.

[0112] (Postscript 1)

[0113] According to one aspect of the present invention, an inspection apparatus for a multi-core cable is provided, which determines the correspondence between the insulated wires at both ends of a multi-core cable having multiple insulated wires, wherein the inspection apparatus comprises:

[0114] A signal input unit that, through capacitive coupling, inputs an inspection signal to the end of one of the ends of the plurality of insulated wires exposed at one end of the multi-core cable, which is the end of the insulated wire to be inspected.

[0115] A signal output unit that outputs a check signal from the respective ends of the plurality of insulated wires exposed at the other end of the multi-core cable via capacitive coupling;

[0116] The corresponding determining unit measures the voltage of the inspection signal obtained from the signal output unit, and based on the measured voltage, determines the other end of the insulated wire that is the object of inspection.

[0117] At least one of the signal input unit and the signal output unit has a signal transmission cable for transmitting a check signal and a substrate connected to the signal transmission cable.

[0118] A first electrode, which is connected to the signal conductor of the signal transmission cable, is provided on one of the main surfaces of the substrate.

[0119] A second electrode, which is capacitively coupled to the end of the insulated wire, is provided on the main surface of the other side of the substrate.

[0120] A transmission line for transmitting the inspection signal between the first electrode and the second electrode is provided inside the substrate.

[0121] A shielding layer is provided on the substrate to suppress noise intrusion into the transmission line.

[0122] (Postscript 2)

[0123] Preferably, an inspection device for the multi-core cable described in Appendix 1 is provided.

[0124] The shielding layer has at least one of a first shielding layer and a second shielding layer, wherein the first shielding layer is in a non-contact state with the first electrode on the main surface of the first shielding layer and surrounds the first electrode, and the second shielding layer is in a non-contact state with the second electrode on the main surface of the other shielding layer and surrounds the second electrode.

[0125] (Note 3)

[0126] Preferably, an inspection device for the multi-core cable as described in Appendix 2 is provided.

[0127] A plurality of the first electrodes are disposed on the main surface of one of the electrodes.

[0128] The first shielding layer is configured to surround the entirety of the plurality of first electrodes on the main surface of one side.

[0129] (Postscript 4)

[0130] Preferably, an inspection device for the multi-core cable as described in Appendix 2 or 3 is provided.

[0131] A plurality of the second electrodes are disposed on the main surface of the other party.

[0132] The second shielding layer is configured in such a way that it surrounds each of the plurality of the second electrodes on the main surface of the other side.

[0133] (Note 5)

[0134] Preferably, an inspection device for the multi-core cable as described in Appendix 4 is provided.

[0135] The plurality of the second shielding layers are configured to remain in a non-contact state on the main surface of the other side.

[0136] (Note 6)

[0137] Preferably, an inspection device for multi-core cables as described in any one of Appendices 2 to 5 is provided.

[0138] The first electrode and the second electrode are positioned at a location that is separated from each other by the substrate and is not opposite to each other.

[0139] The transmission line has a portion inside the substrate that extends in the in-plane direction (plane direction) along the main surface of the substrate in a manner that connects the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0140] (Note 7)

[0141] Preferably, an inspection device for the multi-core cable as described in Appendix 6 is provided.

[0142] The shielding layer has a third shielding layer inside the substrate that extends in a planar shape along the inward direction of the main surface of the substrate.

[0143] The inspection device is configured such that a portion of the transmission line extending inward along the main surface of the substrate is sandwiched between the third shielding layer and at least one of the first and second shielding layers.

[0144] (Postscript 8)

[0145] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for inspecting a multi-core cable is provided, which determines the correspondence of the insulated wires at both ends of a multi-core cable having multiple insulated wires, wherein the inspection method comprises:

[0146] In the signal input process, an inspection signal is input via capacitive coupling to the end of the insulated wire that is the object of inspection among the ends of the plurality of insulated wires exposed at one end of the multi-core cable.

[0147] In the signal output process, a check signal is output from the respective ends of the plurality of insulated wires exposed at the other end of the multi-core cable via capacitive coupling;

[0148] In accordance with the corresponding determination process, the voltage of the inspection signal obtained through the signal output process is measured, and based on the measured voltage, the other end of the insulated wire that is to be inspected is determined.

[0149] In at least either of the signal input process and the signal output process

[0150] A substrate is used to capacitively couple the second electrode to the end of the insulated wire. The substrate has a first electrode on one main surface connected to the signal conductor of a signal transmission cable for transmitting inspection signals, and the second electrode on another main surface. Internally, a transmission line for transmitting inspection signals between the first and second electrodes is provided.

[0151] The shielding layer disposed on the substrate suppresses noise from entering the transmission line.

Claims

1. An inspection device for a multi-core cable, comprising determining the correspondence between the insulated wires at both ends of a multi-core cable having multiple insulated wires, characterized in that, The inspection device includes: A signal input unit that, through capacitive coupling, inputs an inspection signal to the end of one of the ends of the plurality of insulated wires exposed at one end of the multi-core cable, which is the end of the insulated wire to be inspected. A signal output unit that outputs a check signal from the respective ends of the plurality of insulated wires exposed at the other end of the multi-core cable via capacitive coupling; The corresponding determining unit measures the voltage of the inspection signal obtained from the signal output unit, and based on the measured voltage, determines the other end of the insulated wire that is the object of inspection. At least one of the signal input unit and the signal output unit has a signal transmission cable for transmitting a check signal and a substrate connected to the signal transmission cable. A first electrode, which is connected to the signal conductor of the signal transmission cable, is provided on one of the main surfaces of the substrate. A plurality of second electrodes, capacitively coupled to the ends of the insulated wires, are provided on the main surface of the other side of the substrate. A transmission line for transmitting the inspection signal between the first electrode and the second electrode is provided inside the substrate. A shielding layer is provided on the substrate to suppress noise intrusion into the transmission line. The shielding layer has multiple second shielding layers, which remain in a non-contact state with the multiple second electrodes on the other main surface, and respectively surround the periphery of each of the multiple second electrodes. The plurality of the second shielding layers are configured to be separated from each other on the main surface of the other side.

2. The inspection device for multi-core cables according to claim 1, characterized in that, The shielding layer also has a first shielding layer, which remains in a non-contact state with the first electrode on one of the main surfaces and surrounds the first electrode.

3. The inspection device for multi-core cables according to claim 2, characterized in that, A plurality of the first electrodes are disposed on the main surface of one of the electrodes. The first shielding layer is configured to surround the entirety of the plurality of first electrodes on the main surface of one side.

4. The inspection device for multi-core cables according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first electrode and the second electrode are positioned at a location that is separated from each other by the substrate and is not opposite to each other. The transmission line has a portion inside the substrate that extends inward along the main surface of the substrate in a manner that connects the first electrode and the second electrode.

5. The inspection device for multi-core cables according to any one of claims 2 or 3, characterized in that, The first electrode and the second electrode are positioned at a location that is separated from each other by the substrate and is not opposite to each other. The transmission line has a portion inside the substrate that extends inward along the main surface of the substrate in a manner that connects the first electrode and the second electrode.

6. The inspection device for multi-core cables according to claim 5, characterized in that, The shielding layer has a third shielding layer inside the substrate that extends in a planar shape along the inward direction of the main surface of the substrate. The inspection device is configured such that a portion of the transmission line extending inward along the main surface of the substrate is sandwiched between the third shielding layer and at least one of the first and second shielding layers.

7. A method for inspecting a multi-core cable, comprising determining the correspondence between the insulated wires at both ends of a multi-core cable having multiple insulated wires, characterized in that, The inspection method has the following characteristics: In the signal input process, an inspection signal is input via capacitive coupling to the end of the insulated wire that is the object of inspection among the ends of the plurality of insulated wires exposed at one end of the multi-core cable. In the signal output process, a check signal is output from the respective ends of the plurality of insulated wires exposed at the other end of the multi-core cable via capacitive coupling; In accordance with the corresponding determination process, the voltage of the inspection signal obtained through the signal output process is measured, and based on the measured voltage, the other end of the insulated wire that is to be inspected is determined. In at least either of the signal input process and the signal output process A substrate is used to capacitively couple the second electrode to the end of the insulated wire. The substrate has a first electrode on one main surface connected to the signal conductor of a signal transmission cable for transmitting inspection signals, and a plurality of the second electrodes on another main surface. Internally, a transmission line is provided for transmitting inspection signals between the first and second electrodes. The shielding layer disposed on the substrate suppresses noise intrusion into the transmission line. The shielding layer has multiple second shielding layers, which remain in a non-contact state with the multiple second electrodes on the other main surface, and respectively surround the periphery of each of the multiple second electrodes. The plurality of the second shielding layers are configured to be separated from each other on the main surface of the other side.

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